Happy Birthday Chennai...

Just like we celebrate our Birthdays, I firmly believe the City we call home also deserves one. Today is my home town, birth place Madras/Chennai’s 372^nd Birthday.

The month of August begins and the excitement mounts. I look forward to the line-up of events dedicated to Madras Day. Infact, it was only few years ago that I discovered Chennai was born on 22^nd August, 1639.

The Chariot in DakhinChitra

The Marina Beach

There are Photowalks to explore various hidden treasures in the lanes scatted around the city; and there are talks where we get to learn about the rich history, culture and art embed within.  The events are quite a treat for those who have been living here and others who are keen on learning more about this city.  A chance for us to enjoy the architecture from the years gone by, visit monuments, buildings, parks and galleries filled with information and pictures related to Chennai and of course to create our own memories..

The Santhome Church

Earlier, Chennai was where I spent my school holidays in, among family and friends, But now, it is my Home, where i know I belong! Even though I’ve been living here for over a decade, there are so many places I’ve not visited, explored or even heard of. Hmm, about time I rectified this, what say?!

The Ashtalakshmi Temple

I have been eyeing the Madras Day agenda almost daily, wondering what all I can be a part of and there are a few that have caught my attention, which have been jotted down in my Calendar.  I am definitely looking forward to the TALK: Lesser known temples of Chennai by Chitra Madhavan on 23^rd August evening [Tuesday] and the HERITAGE WALK : Meandering down Mint Street on 28^th August morning [Sunday] amongst the lot.  Oh gosh, how can I forget to mention the NATURE WALK inside the IIT Madras Campus on 27^th August morning [Saturday]?!

What are the events you are attending? Here is the link for The Madras Day Events

Let the celebrations begin!

This post was published on CLAY

Wesley Church,Chennai

Another beautiful Church that i am yet to pause and enjoy is the Wesley Church in Egmore. Built by the Methodists in 1905, it is part of the Church of South India, Madras Diocese. The brick exterior is something that i love, which is probably why  i take pictures of the church everytime i pass by.

Riding home from the Central Station, i strain my neck out the auto rickshaw to catch a glimpse of this landmark building before the trees block my view... 

The 1st picture was taken during a Photowalk and 2nd during a visit to uncle's home.... 

[Skywatch friday] Journey of the clouds

      One evening while walking around Vagator beach, the sky was Blazing...looked alive...

 For more beautiful skies, visit Skywatch Friday

[Wordless Wednesday] Serene

This was shot at Hotel Harrisons, Chennai, near the entrance...Always captures my heart!!
It was taken on my  Blackberry!! :)

For more Wordless wednesday shots, click here

Shots and spots

Just when i thought i should blog more, Blogadda has come up with a Travel Photos contest with Pringoo.Travel and photography are 2 things i adore, and cant get enough of. So, without wasting time i decided to sift through my computer, Picasa, and other albums, picking out the 5 best travel shots taken during my escapes!! 

 A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.” – Moslih Eddin Saadi

The Vidhyashankar temple in Sringeri [one of the Mutts established by Sri Adishankara]. A temple that is an architecture marvel, and so beautiful that words fail to do justice. Every visit to Sringeri, i make it a point to spend some time in this beautiful temple. This temple combines the Hoysala and Dravida architectural  styles. There are six entrances into the temple. The twelve pillars in the mandapam [Raasi pillars] are arranged  in such a manner thathe sun's rays falls on each of them, in the same order as the solar months.

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"That is a lovely shot", Arun chimed as i showed him the picture right after clicking it. I took this picture, just outside the resort we stayed at in Bikode on a misty morning through the window of our Van. A lone tree that stood tall, facing the harsh winds and birds that came to make a home in it!! This was during the Hoysala trail last May, from Travelwise, led by Lakshmi and Arun.

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Hop skip jump, each step took us closer the clear waters, and gushing waves and beautiful open skies... Pathway to heaven, almost.. these steps took us straight to the beach.. The day we spent at Mahabalipuram, doing nothing, walking on the beach, laughing, playing cards, driving around is one day that i shall sure remember for a long time to come!! Though i've been to Mahabs many times earlier,this was the 1st time i stayed over- Good fun it was!

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The Bannerghatta Butterfly Park was truly a sight for sore eyes, and a dream come true for me! Watching the butterflies fly about, their colours filled my eyes. I kept moving the camera willing for them to sit still so i can take a shot, alas, they were restless creatures alright. So many varieties, so many colours, the Butterflies represent the true meaning of Freedom to me!! As we strolled inside the Bannerghatta Butterfly park conservatory, time flew, everything else was lost but me and the beautiful butterflies...

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Walking along the road towards my room, i spotted this beautiful couple, "Together even in the wild", i thought to myself!! Am sure someone had placed the tattered idol on the wall or someone had left it there... So many questions filled my head, but i was in AWE, which overtook everything else. In the cold Ooty, on a road that led to practically nowhere, this couple had managed to capture my heart!!

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There are more roads that i must walk on... more sights to see and more memories to collect!!For now, adios!!

Photo tag

Dont recall who it was, all i remember is that a blogger friend tagged me....

Rules of this tag... :

1. Open your first photo folder.
2. Scroll to the 10th photo.
3. Post the photo on your blog and tell the story behind it and
4. Tag people to do the same...[optional]

This is a photo clicked in Coorg, outside our cottage.. A jr, my friend-Apar's son brought this flower for her .. and we then decided to take some shots using the flower.... A trip that brings back wonderful memories, beautiful times spent with friends, and the amazing weather through the journey!!!

Am not really gonna tag anybody.. Whoever is interested, can take it up and put it up!!!